VATIA TIDE POOLS | Lower Sauma Ridge Trail in the NATIONAL PARK OF AMERICAN SAMOA | Starkist Cannery
AmSamFam returns to one of our favorite places in AMERICAN SAMOA - the VATIA TIDE POOLS.
On our way, we practice our breathholds, through the Starkist Tuna Cannery, finding out who can hold their breath all the way through. We stop at the top of the mountain pass, to behold the stunning beauty of Pago Pago Harbor and Rainmaker Mountain.
Then, comes the hike through the NATIONAL PARK of AMERICAN SAMOA. We take the Lower Sauma Ridge Trail, carefully making our way to the natural tide pools.
If you're on-island and want a fun adventure, check the tides, and plan a day to hit the Vatia Tide Pools at low tide. It's an experience you don't want to miss!
As always, thanks for watching! Make sure to give us a thumb's up if you liked this video and let us know in the comments below what else you'd like to see or learn from our beautiful island home.
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National Park of American Samoa - Episode 64
National Park of American Samoa - Episode 64
ROPES, LADDERS, AND LOTS OF MUD | HIKING the MATAFAO TRAIL | NATIONAL PARK of AMERICAN SAMOA
Hiking the MATAFAO TRAIL has been on my bucketlist since we first moved to American Samoa. I always thought I would go without the kids, but we decided to give it a shot.
Matafao is the highest point on Tutuila, the main island of American Samoa, and the trail is definitely difficult. Combine mud and a rainstorm with this already challenging and treacherous trail and that could be a recipe for disaster.
See how our adventure turns out and if we were able to reach the summit.
A great bug THANK-YOU to the National Park rangers who cleared the trail and installed ropes and ladders to make the trail passable!!
Tofa Soifua.
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THE OLD PAGO PAGO TRAIL | NATIONAL PARK OF AMERICAN SAMOA | BLUESKY COMMUNICATIONS SPONSORSHIP
We found a new trail!!
Our friends at the National Park of American Samoa have been hard at work, maintaining the existing hiking trails and clearing new trails too.
Today we're showing you The Old Pago Pago Trail. We started at the same trailhead as the Mount Alava Trail, but instead of taking the path most taken, we opted instead for the narrow, steep, and challenging path that meets back up with the main Mount Alava Trail.
This alternate route is about 0.7 miles long (one-way) and includes ropes, natural root steps, and a beautifully visible star mound (tia seu lupe).
We want to thank our sponsors- Bluesky Communications for their continued support of our channel and our island. We wouldn't be able to bring you these videos without their reliable services. Make sure to check out their services, devices, and accessories, including their IOT products.
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00:00- Introduction
00:28- Driving to the Trailhead
01:16- What Is the Mount Alava Mystery Trail?
02:16- Our Hike Begins
04:02- What Is the Old Pago Pago Trail
06:41- We Found Wild Ginger Growing
07:51- Break Time
08:41- Thank You Bluesky Communications!
10:26- Star Mound (Tia Seu Lupe)
14:36- We Found the Main Mount Alava Trail
18:19- Tofa Soifua
HIKING to FAGATELE BAY | SNORKELING in the NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY of AMERICAN SAMOA
It's time for another AMSAMFAM ADVENTURE!
Today, we're heading out with some friends, to hike the jungle trail that leads to FAGATELE BAY, the only US NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY in AMERICAN SAMOA.
Fagatele Bay has always been a safe haven for marine animals, but in 1986 it officially became a protected area. Today, you might see anything from parrotfish to manta rays to dolphins. Between the months of June-October, if you listen very carefully while under the water, you might even hear a humpback whale's song, as it makes its way south, just off-shore.
Thanks for watching and for your continued support! Please make sure to give us a thumbs-up if you like our videos and don't forget to subscribe and hit that bell, so you'll be notified each time we release a new video.
Fa'afetai Lava!
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EXPLORING THE ANAPE'APE'A SEA CAVES & SEA CLIFFS | AFONO, AMERICAN SAMOA | KAYAK ADVENTURES
Exploring American Samoa is one of our favorite things to do as a family. Today, we're showing you what we discovered near the village of AFONO. The legendary ANAPE'APE'A SEA CAVES were a bit of a struggle to get to, but once inside, they were incredible. Just thinking of how much history these caves have seen and what may have taken places in these places conjures pictures of long ago people and traditions in our minds.
Come along with us, as we show you the sea caves that have had historians and adventurers alike talking for years.
And a huge FA'AFETAI TELE LAVA to our sponsors, BLUESKY COMMUNICATIONS! They've been providing our family with fast and reliable internet and phone services for almost five years now. We're proud to work with a company we trust and appreciate so much!
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00:00- Introduction
02:16- Driving to Afono
03:49- The Village of Afono
05:07- Kayaking Out
07:49- Exploring Sea Caves & Cliffs
12:50- Thank-you to Our Sponsors, BlueSky Communications
14:16- Beach Life
15:59- We Love It Here
17:46- Tofa Soifua
PALAGI BEACH - LOW TIDE ADVENTURES | CAPE TAPUTAPU - CAN'T GET ANY FURTHER WEST in AMERICAN SAMOA
We're joined by our friends the Daskam's on our adventure today, as we hike along the western shoreline of Tutuila to find Palagi Beach. This super remote and completely isolated beach is basically the furthest west you can go before leaving the islands that make up American Samoa.
The trail to get to Palagi Beach is only accessible at low tide and is still treacherous with slippery and sharp rocks, steep eroded bits, and crashing waves, but the payoff at the end is totally worth it!
We had a great day, carefully making our way to Palagi Beach, then enjoying this little slice of paradise with our friends.
When are you going to go check it out?
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00:00- Intro
01:23- Ankle Breaking Hike along the Coastline
04:12- Why We Make this Hike
05:31- We Made It!
05:52- Meet the Daskam's
06:52- Playing at Palagi Beach
08:55- Exploring the Rock Island
10:11- Rock Jumping
10:54- The Tide's Coming Back In
11:43- Tofa Soifua
HIKING the WWII HERITAGE TRAIL in AMERICAN SAMOA | HOMEMADE ICE CREAM at SAMU'S
We're ready to head back to the rainforest trails of AMERICAN SAMOA. Come along with us as we hike the WWII HERITAGE TRAIL.
The trail is rated as challenging, our guess is because of some steep ascents/descents, as well as lots of roots and boulders to make your way over. It may be challenging, but it is definitely worth it!
We start this through-hike in Gataivai, heading up to Blunt's Point, then keep going past the second gun. The trail was more overgrown than we're used to seeing, but still easy to find. With plenty of World War Two landmarks along the trail, this is as much an education in history as it is a great workout.
Thank you to everyone who has subscribed to our channel! Especially, everyone who participated in our LIVE video last week. We've received such positive responses and so much love.
As promised, we randomly chose a winner from everyone who commented during the LIVE. And our winner is... Westbrook Originals! Congratulations! Make sure to message us with your mailing address, so we can send your package full of snacks and treats from American Samoa.
Thank you again to everyone! Once we hit 10k subscribers, we'll go LIVE again, with another chance to win.
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PINE TREES, SOFT SAND, and AVAS (RIP TIDES) | SAILELE, AMERICAN SAMOA
We're heading back to the North side to the tiny village of SAILELE in AMERICAN SAMOA.
The beach at Sailele has some of the softest sand in this US Territory, along with a magical grove of pine trees. You almost feel like you're next to a mountain lake instead of on a tropical island, if it wasn't for the sound of crashing waves and the feel of the warm breeze blowing across your face.
Nate explains the signs and dangers of an AVA, or Rip Tide. So before you step into the beautiful, warm waters at Sailele, gaze out to the reef, where the waves are breaking and look for the treacherous waters of the Ava.
Back on-shore, the kids spent hours playing in the sand, building a crab village, and competing in crab races.
If you haven't been to Sailele yet, this video will show you just some of the treasures that are hidden in this remote village. Keep your eyes out for our follow-up Sailele, where we'll explore the other side of the beach, with it's flowerpot island and tide pools.
As always, thank-you so much for watching and for sharing our videos with your friends and family! We are so humbled every week when we read the stories you share with us in the comments down below. We love you all!
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I'M CREEPED OUT PADDLE BOARDING ONE of the WORLD'S DEEPEST NATURAL HARBORS | American Samoa | Pago
I brought my paddle board with me, so as soon as I was finished with work, I could hop out and paddle around the harbor.
Did you know that Pago Pago Harbor is one of the deepest natural harbors in the world?
With nothing but a stand-up paddle board, crossing the deep blue waters of the harbor can be unnerving, to say the least. Between schools of jellyfish, a run-in with the US Coast Guard, and the unknown of the deep blue, it takes a strong heart to brave it.
But if you can, the views of Tutuila from the water make it all worth it!
I paddled around a lot of the harbor this time, but let me know if you think I should take on the challenge of going all the way across next time.
Thanks for coming along on this American Samoan adventure with me.
Tofa Soifua
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FAGA'ALU WATERFALL | One of AMERICAN SAMOA'S BEST HIDDEN TREASURES
AMSAMFAM is getting back out and showing you one of AMERICAN SAMOA'S best waterfalls- FAGA'ALU WATERFALL.
We drive through the village of Faga'alu, past the LBJ Tropical Medical Center, and park just outside of an active rock quarry. We walk through the quarry without a problem and start our slippery, sometimes precarious, hike through the tropical rainforest to find our very own island waterfall.
The water is cool and refreshing and we scale the side of the mountain for some heart pumping cliff jumping. The boys are fearless, but Nate and I discover that the pool is a little shallow for us adults to be jumping from that high.
If you can handle the narrow trail and steep drop-off, you will be rewarded with a true Tropical Paradise all to yourself!
Let us know if you've been to Faga'alu Falls. After shooting this video, we learned that you can actually hike beyond this waterfall and find multiple others, but I think we might leave the kids home for that adventure.
Have you been to Faga'alu Falls? Tell us if you've ever hiked up past these falls or if you know someone who has. We'd love to hear a first-hand account.
Thanks for watching and please make sure to give us a thumbs-up if you enjoyed this video!
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SEA TURTLES, CORAL REEFS, & FISH | SNORKELING AT FATUMAFUTI, AMERICAN SAMOA | Drone Footage
FATUMAFUTI can sometimes be overlooked as one of the great snorkeling spots in AMERICAN SAMOA because of its easy, central location, as well as its popularity as a beach to just hang out on, but we're here to tell you that just under the surface is a whole other world full of alien-looking coral and brilliant sea creatures.
As we snorkel along the coastline of Fatumafuti, we're always amazed by the stark difference between the lively groups gathered on the beach and the peaceful, allurement of the world below.
That's not to say that we don't enjoy joining in on the fun, especially jumping from the protruding rocks into the cool water and building castles in the sand.
Come along with us as we enjoy all that the beautiful Fatumafuti has to offer and then, hopefully, experience it for yourself when you get a chance.
Tofa Soifua!
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00:00- Introduction
01:10- Drive from Pago
03:49- Rock Jumping
06:01- Snorkeling Fatumafuti
09:51- We Saw a Sea Turtle!
10:34- Tofa Soifua
KAYAKING THROUGH THE MANGROVES | PALA LAGOON, AMERICAN SAMOA
Melinda and friends, Tina and Lorena, are celebrating a birthday out in Nature. They've grabbed their kayaks and SUP (stand-up paddleboard) and headed out to explore the mangroves in Pala Lagoon.
While there used to be mangroves forests all around American Samoa, this one is still thriving and beautiful! The sounds of civilization disappear as you wind your way back into the wild tangles of mangrove, and your left with the gentle sounds of the water below and and birds above.
If you get the chance, make sure to jump on a kayak or SUP and discover this other world for yourself.
And if you want a good laugh, make sure to watch ALL the way to the end.
Thanks for coming along with us again. Don't forget to give this video a thumbs-up and subscribe, if you haven't already.
Tofa Soifua!
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Or on APPLE BOOKS at
If you'd like to support our channel, please consider pledging to our PATREON account, where you can pay $5, $15, or $25 per month, helping us keep these and other videos about our life and adventures in American Samoa coming each week.
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COVID-19 in AMERICAN SAMOA from the TOP of BLUNT’S POINT
We HIKED to the top of BLUNT'S POINT, but we're sharing more than just the stunning views. We're sharing our experiences living in AMERICAN SAMOA during the CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC.
Spoiler alert: We're alive and well, but you'll have to watch the video to find out more about the local regulations, state of the economy, and how our family is staying busy. We feel so blessed to be living in a place where we feel safe, comfortable, and free to enjoy.
Let us know in the comments below, where you are and what your experiences have been.
As always, thanks for watching! The best way to support our channel is by subscribing, liking our videos, and by letting us know what else you'd like to see in future videos.
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MUSIC CREDIT:
0:02-0:23- Bucket List, Doug Maxwell, Jimmy Fontanez
0:50-1:23- Shake, Vibe Tracks
3:33-4:03, 7:47-8:04- The High Line, Causmic
4:41-4:50, 6:36-6:43, 8:05-8:20- Keep It 98 Plus 2, RAGE
5:08-5:14, 5:24-5:30, 6:49-7:12- Quarantine, RYYZN, Link: Music promoted by FreeMusicWave
8:50- 9:59- Intentions
THERE'S SOMETHING SPECIAL ABOUT AOA BAY, AMERICAN SAMOA | Going Out of Our Way for Fun & Relaxation
The village of AOA, AMERICAN SAMOA is not on the way to anywhere, which means no one gets there by accident. I think it's safe to say that most people have never been there at all...
But we're here to tell you that those people are missing out!
The village is quiet and well cared for. The beach is sandy, with plenty of sun and shade. The water is calm and safe, protected by the reef, far off-shore. The locals are kind and friendly.
But there's also just something about Aoa that we can't be put into words, but that we feel every time we go, that makes it like no other place we've ever been.
There's just something that makes it so special!
Tell us in the comments below if you've been to Aoa and what you think makes it a special place.
Thanks for watching!
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SNORKELING IN FAGA'ALU BAY | A Surprising Jewel of American Samoa | Spearfishing
When you think of SNORKELING in AMERICAN SAMOA, most people don't picture diving into FAGA'ALU BAY.
So, many people are surprised when we tell them it's one of our FAVORITE SNORKELING SPOTS in this South Pacific US Territory.
Looking out across the bay, most people are struck by the view on land, but if you were to look down upon the bay from above or dive down and immerse yourself in the underwater world, you would see what has captured our hearts. Every time we explore these reefs, we see tons of fish, hundreds of coral heads, and a few sea turtles.
For now, come along with us and let us show you the magic of snorkeling in Faga'alu Bay in American Samoa.
As always, thanks for watching! Please make sure to subscribe and click that bell, so you'll be notified each time we post a new video.
Manuia Le Aso
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10 Things We WISH We Knew BEFORE Moving To AMERICAN SAMOA
Before moving here, we had some skewed ideas of what life would be like in the territory. Three years later, we're sharing the top 10 things that we WISH we knew BEFORE moving to AMERICAN SAMOA.
We're sharing everything from food to shopping to healthcare to traditions and so much more.
We always do our best to get the facts right, but if we got anything wrong, please let us know. We're ready to learn.
Let us know if we missed anything that you wished you had known before coming to AMERICAN SAMOA or, if you're still working on making it here, let us know what questions you still have.
Thanks again for watching and for all the love. You guys are the best!
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SPEARFISHING PAST THE BREAKERS & CAN'T GET BACK TO SHORE | Stuck In a Rip Current | American Samoa
What was supposed to be a fun kid-free adventure, almost turned deadly.
Nate made it past the breakers through an ava (rip current) to go spearfishing, but between the huge swells and strong surges, he knew he needed to get back to shore.
Unfortunately, the ocean had other plans.
He ended up swimming more than a mile against the cross island current, until he could find a break in the waves enough to swim through, crawled over the sharp coral reef and hiked back to Camel's Rock.
Our great adventure turned into a terrible misadventure, but still, it could have been so much worse!
Lesson learned: Know your abilities, know your limitations, and trust your gut. The ocean is beautiful and fun, but it's also strong and dangerous. We love the ocean, but the ocean doesn't love us... It doesn't care whether we live or die. Treat it with respect and caution.
Thank you everyone for your love and support!
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WHERE THE ROAD ENDS | OUR FIRST TIME IN FAGAMALO, AMERICAN SAMOA | Tutuila West Side Road Trip
You may have heard of Fagamalo, but have you ever made the drive out the quiet, peaceful and intensely beautiful village of Fagamalo?
This was our first time and it DID NOT DISAPPOINT. We didn't find a sandy beach or a store to buy snacks. Instead, we found a village that was clean, quiet, and locals who were gracious and friendly.
Doesn't that sound like a lot of American Samoa? Yes, but there's something about making an effort to drive the distance and experience somewhere new. TOTALLY WORTH IT!
If you're around Tutuila or planning on visiting soon and are looking for a place even further off the beaten path, where you can respect the clean, quiet atmosphere, then make the drive to Fagamalo. And say hi to Nature and Douglas for us.
Thanks for watching!
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00:00- Intro
02:02- Samu's
02:47- Tropic Trader's
03:15- West Side Driving
06:07- Fagamalo
06:53- Asking Permission
09:35- Swimming
11:50- Water Advisory & Banyans
13:01- Playing In the Waves
15:32- Hermit Crabs
16:02- Tofa Soifua
EXPLORING the RUINS of the ATAULOMA GIRLS SCHOOL | American Samoa | Is it HAUNTED?
Deep in the jungle of American Samoa, there lies the crumbling remains of a historic school, whispering of what once was here.
The Atauloma Girls School, found on the island of Tutuila, in American Samoa, has all but been reclaimed by nature, but if you make your way through its vine-covered walls, you'll see the legacy of the bright young women of American Samoa.
You might remember an old episode of Ghost Hunters International that took place in this exact spot. If not, just type in Atauloma School and you'll be treated to the suspenseful and ridiculous video.
We did not find any ghosts on our excursion.
But you never know...
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If you'd like to support our channel, please consider pledging to our PATREON account, where you can pay $5, $15, or $25 per month, helping us keep these and other videos about our life and adventures in American Samoa coming each week.
If you’re digging our music, be sure to check out EPIDEMIC SOUND, where you can get access to all their copyright-free songs and sound effects.
00:00- Intro
00:53- Island Driving
02:43- We Find the School
04:29- History of the Atauloma Girls School
09:04- Crumbling Around Us
12:08- We Find More of the School
14:43- Expectations
16:59- Tofa Soifua